North Pend Oreille Scenic Byway
Places to Visit

  • Area Birding (WA)

    The area around the byway houses more species of breeding land birds than anywhere else in the state.

    Distance from byway: On the byway
    Directions:

    There are a number of points (formal and informal) along the byway for seeing birds.
  • Boundary Dam

    Boundary Dam (WA)

    The highlight of the river tour is a close encounter with thundering 200` high Pee Wee Falls. The boat takes visitors close enough to feel the falls' spray on their faces. Other public facilities include a dock, a boat launch, and campsites.

    Distance from byway: On the byway
    Directions:

    Located on Crescent Lake, a few miles north of Metaline Falls on SR 31.

  • Boundary Vista House (WA)

    Boundary Vista House overlooks the Boundary Dam. It has a platform that extends out over the river and gives the feeling of being suspended directly above this powerful force. From here, you can photograph a unique and spectacular vantage of the river.

    Distance from byway: On the byway
    Directions:

    Boundary Vista House overlooks the Boundary Dam. Located on Crescent Lake, just north of Metaline Falls on SR 31
  • Box Canyon Dam

    Box Canyon Dam (WA)

    Built in 1952, Box Canyon Dam is one of the oldest hydroelectric facilities in Washington.

    Distance from byway: On the byway
    Directions:

    The dam is 1 mile south of the Z-Canyon Boat Tours.

  • Crawford State Park (WA)

    Gardner Cave is the premier attraction here. Free guided tours (from Memorial Day weekend through September) detail its 50-million-year history. Special arrangements can be made for group activities such as photography or geology classes.

    Distance from byway: On the byway
    Directions:

    It is just south of the Canadian border, and is 12 miles west of the byway.

  • Crescent Lake & Crescent Lake Campground (WA)

    Shimmering blue-green, this lake is the first thing to greet travelers from Canada. The lake (21.6 acres, depths of 80') is a favorite for swimming and catching Rainbow Trout. There’s camping and a day-use area.

    Distance from byway: On the byway
    Directions:

    The lake starts at the Canadian border. It extends south of the border a few miles.
  • Gardner Cave

    Gardner Cave (WA)

    Glimpse the vast system of underground passages from the 1,055' main cavern. The rimstone pools, stalagtites, stalagmites, and columns are fascinating.

    Distance from byway: On the byway
    Directions:

    It is just south of the Canadian border, and is 12 miles west of the byway.

  • Historic Sullivan Creek Power House (WA)

    Lewis Larsen wanted to supply power to his cement plant. In 1910, he dammed Sullivan Creek and directed the flow into a wooden flume. Workers cheered when the water arrived. It also supplied electricity to the town of Metaline Falls.

    Distance from byway: On the byway
    Directions:

    It is 1 mile north of Metaline Falls.
  • Historic Washington Hotel

    Historic Washington Hotel (WA)

    Each of these 30 rooms is furnished with antiques, and unique handmade quilts and rugs. This hotel (in use today) appeared in ‘The Postman.’ The owner’s art studio is on the main floor (open to the public). Artist and writing workshops are held here.

    Distance from byway: On the byway
    Directions:

    It is in Metaline Falls, a quarter of a mile off the byway.
  • Kirtland Cutter Theatre

    Kirtland Cutter Theatre (WA)

    Aside from a performing arts theatre, this is home to a visual arts gallery, library, gift shop, and several small businesses. A recording studio is being planned. The Theatre and Town of Metaline Falls won the Washington State Governor's Arts Award.

    Distance from byway: On the byway
    Directions:

    It is in Metaline Falls, 1/4 mile off the byway.